Page 58 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

"It seems, Miss Bennet, that you take pride in your defiance of expectation,” he says, a faux -serious look on his face.

Yeah, he’s very sexy as Darcy. It’s something about the deep-burgundy jacket he’s wearing, or the way he’s staying in character. Whatever it is, it’s got my insides all twisty.

I clear my throat, trying to bring myself back. “Mr. Darcy, are you defending me?” I ask. “How unexpected. I thought you believed all women ought to adhere strictly to propriety.”

“I believe in the value of principle, Miss Bennet. But loyalty is no less a virtue, even if its expression sometimes defies convention,” he says, his eyes boring into mine.

“How magnanimous of you to make such allowances, sir. I shall have to inform my mother; she will be most delighted to know I have earned even the smallest of your approvals.”

I love the banter in this scene. And as the script says, the corner of Zane’s mouth twitches, as if he’s suppressing a smile. I don’t know why I continue to be surprised by how seriously he’s taking this. But that’s Zane—the kind of person who once stayed up all night helping me finish a school project I’d procrastinated on, just because he said he’d help. A man of his word.

“Miss Bennet, you must forgive Mr. Darcy. He hasn’t always been so very ... charitable in his judgments,” Caroline says.

“Ah, charity. That must be what inspires such glowing praise for me. How fortunate I am,” I say, giving her my most sarcastic smile.

Bingley walks in the room, a bright and happy look on his face. “Miss Bennet! I trust Jane is feeling a little better now?”

“Yes, Mr. Bingley. Thank you for your kindness. She is resting comfortably, though I expect she will need another day or two of quiet.”

“Whatever she needs, Miss Bennet, we are at her disposal.”

With a nod of thanks and a quick line about going to check on her, I leave the room, as per the script. But not in the script is the quick glance I throw over my shoulder at Zane, whose lips are pulled up on one side, his eyes warm and intent as he watches me leave. My cheeks heat of their own accord, and I’m glad I’m leaving so he can’t see them.

As I make my way back to Longbourn, I’m feeling like everything is coming together, that I’ve got Zane back as my friend, and who knows what might come of that, and this trip is finally turning into what I’d hoped it would be.

Next, I’ll do scenes with Mr. Collins and Wickham, and after that is the Netherfield ball. This time not only do I interact with Zane, but we will dance. And even with the risk of getting my toes stepped on, I can’t wait.

ZANE

A letter from Macey to Zane, Wednesday, September 18, 7:02 p.m.

My dear Mr. Darcy,

Fear not, for I am ready to save you from the perils of the mysterious rear pincher. I shall enlist the assistance of Kitty and Lydia, though I confess they are just as likely to join in the mischief as to thwart it.

I must admit, however, that I eagerly anticipate seeing you at the Netherfield ball. Do advise me—ought I to wear boots with reinforced toes to safeguard them from your enthusiastic footwork?

Yours in nervousness and anticipation,

Miss Bennet

“LOOK AT THIS SPLENDID SIGHT, Mr. Bennet! Such a fine gathering of company. Oh, Jane, my dearest, Mr. Bingley will surely be captivated all over again,” Mrs. Bennet says as her family enters the ballroom at Netherfield, her hand wrapped around Mr. Bennet’s arm.

No sooner had Macey and Jane left Netherfield than the staff began preparing for the ball, rearranging furniture, hanging garlands on the walls, and setting up large refreshment tables in the adjoining rooms.

Later, after the reenactment of Wickham’s arrival—where it was surprisingly easy for me to act like I disliked the guy because the man playing him just seems like a sleazeball—I returned to the house to get ready. Before long, the rooms were bustling with staff and locals from the surrounding towns, dressed more formally tonight for the ball.

Tonight, we’ll alternate reenacted scenes with dancing and character interactions. Lady Catherine meticulously briefed me, Bingley, and Caroline before the evening began, and I assume she did the same for everyone else.

After spending the past half hour keeping an eye out for Macey—and dodging Edith the butt pincher, who was among the first to arrive—she’s finally here. She looks stunning in a light-blue shimmering gown, her hands elegantly covered in white gloves that reach her elbows, and chains of pearls adorning her neck and wrists. Her red hair is loosely styled and pulled up, with soft curls framing her face.

“Yes, my dear, though let us hope you do not frighten Mr. Bingley away with your enthusiasm before the first dance,” says Mr. Bennet.

“Nonsense, Mr. Bennet! Jane, do stand tall,” Mrs. Bennet says, lightly pressing a hand on Jane’s back. “He is already looking this way.”

Bingley approaches the Bennets, while I stay back, as the script and Lady Catherine instructed. She nods her approval while sitting on a chair in the corner, watching like a spectator. She’s not the only one—most of the extras attending the ball are standing and watching as well. It’s almost like we’re putting on a play.

Honestly, I thought Star Wars fans were the most dedicated bunch out there. But thesePride and Prejudiceenthusiasts might give them a run for their money.

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